Hidden gem: Chubby Salmon brings sushi, ramen to Jupiter

Chubby Salmon's bento trays are perfect for diners who crave a bit of everything.

I followed a recent weeknight whim to Chubby Salmon, a sushi and hibachi spot that’s tucked into a Jupiter strip plaza. On my way there, I passed a line that snaked outside Food Shack, located just doors away. Unlike its iconic neighbor, the sushi spot was virtually empty, its hibachi fires unlit.

I should specify that it was empty of people, not of good food and sparkling service. The menu at Chubby Salmon is large and well varied, ranging from appetizers to specialty rolls, bowls, “boats” and such.

My intention was to have a miso soup, a sushi roll and a glass of wine. My reality was far more interesting.

As an appetizer, we shared a mound of raw, chopped, sushi-grade tuna served poke-style in a spicy dressing ($14).

Although not on the main menu, varieties of highly slurpable ramen turn up as daily specials at Chubby Salmon.
Photo: Liz Balmaseda/ Palm Beach Post Staff

For main course, while my dining companion devoured the ramen, I had an entrée that was almost too pretty – and too generous – to eat: a bento tray ($23) laden with pan-fried dumplings, a small California roll, three pieces of sushi (tuna, salmon, shrimp), a small salmon fillet served over stir-fried veggies and a heap of tempura-battered bites.

I may have not had every bite, but I had a reason to love every one of the four bento compartments.